This Independence Day We Remember Our Heroes

As Independence Day approaches, we want to give a “shout out” to the 2.2 million men and women serving in the United States military. While we don’t see them often, it is reassuring to know that these brave people are across the globe serving their country.

It is a little-known fact that our Navy, Army, and Marine Corps are older than the country itself. The Continental Congress formed all three service branches after hostilities began against England in 1775. In fact, the very first military unit of the United States was essentially a bunch of farmers.

The “shot heard round the world” at the Battle of Lexington and Concord occurred 15 months before the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The battle was fought by local militia members known as Minutemen. They were mostly farmers, tradesmen, and ordinary citizens who took up arms to defend their rights and resist British forces. They were also the beginning of what would become the most powerful force in human history.

The minutemen were quite the rag-tag group. Each man (they were all men then) brought his own musket, clothing, and gear. They elected their Captain, John Parker, who famously said, “Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.”

The minutemen have few similarities to today’s high-tech and highly disciplined armed forces. Today’s forces, however, do hold the same values of selflessness, honor, loyalty, duty, patriotism, and courage that those few hundred men from Massachusetts held 247 years ago.

With the war in Ukraine, violence in the Balkans, and increasing tensions with China, today’s service members are asked to deal with complex situations in distant lands. About 173,000 people are serving abroad, and about 50,000 Marines and Sailors are at sea. When you grab a cold one this July 4th, raise your glass to the minutemen and today’s Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsman, and Guardians.

Happy Independence Day!

Christy & Terry Jaillet

July 4

Independence Parade

THE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE begins at 9:00 am at the corner of West Broward Boulevard and N.W. 46th Avenue. The parade heads west to N.W. 69th Avenue, turning right on N.W. 4th Street, ending at City Hall with an awards ceremony. The parade route roads will be closed to traffic during the parade, starting at approximately 7:00 am and ending at 11:00 am).

July 4

Fourth of July Hometown Celebration 5K Run/Walk

Gather your family and friends and join the race this Independence Day holiday. It’s hot and humid in South Florida in July, but we are prepared! Race participants always enjoy the popular “hook and ladder shower” at the finish line where race participants will enjoy cooling off. This year’s race is sponsored by the City of Weston and the Weston YMCA Family Center. Race starts at 7:15 am. Scan the QR code to register, or register at the event. For more info call 954-385-2000.

July 8

Plantation Farmers Market

Plantation hosts a Farmers Market featuring fresh, certified Organic and non-Organic produce, locally produced honey, homemade hummus, plants and orchids, fresh cut flowers, breads and Danishes, olive oils, cheeses, dips, spreads and more. It is located at Volunteer Park, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more info call 954-452-2558.

July 4

Stars & Stripes

An Independence Day Celebration

The City of Plantation presents, Stars & Stripes, an Independence Day Celebration. A FREE concert and kid’s fun zone will begin at 7:00 pm at the north end of Central Park. Bring along a picnic dinner, lawn chairs or blanket. Food is available for purchase. The grand-finale fireworks show is scheduled for 9:00 pm, featuring one of the best pyrotechnic shows in Broward. For your safety and the safety of others, please refrain from using fireworks and sparklers within the park. No dogs are allowed. Parking is limited so for your convenience please plan to come early or carpool. If you live in the area, walk or ride your bike. For more info call (954) 452-2510.

July 6

LL Cool J

Don’t Call it a Comeback! He’s been here for years… Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, two-time Grammy Award-winning Hip-Hop icon, Kennedy Center Honoree, recording artist, actor, author, NAACP Image Award winner, entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder and CEO of “Rock The Bells,” LL COOL J has created one of the most multifaceted careers and brands in entertainment and continues to display his wide range of talents with every project. See him at the Hard Rock Hotel.Show starts at 8:00 pm. Scan the QR code to register or learn more.

July 15

1970s Star Wars Celebration

In honor of the City of Plantation’s 70th Anniversary, the Plantation Historical Museum. Dress up and mingle with Star Wars characters at the Museum from 1-3 pm. Plantation Historical Museum 511 North Fig Tree Lane, Plantation, FL 33317. Call 954-797-2722 for more information. www.plantation.org/museum